Spatial Owner-Dog Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. Antibodies in Oceanic Islands and Costal Mainland of Southern Brazil.

Leptospirosis has been described as a disease neglected worldwide. Affecting humans and animals, the disease is often related to poor environmental conditions such as lack of sanitation and presence of synanthropic rodents. Despite being considered as a One Health issue, no study has focused on comparing owner-dog seroprevalence between islands and seashore mainland. Accordingly, the present study assessed anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies by applying microscopic agglutination test (MAT) methods to Leptospira and assessing associated risk factors via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of owners and their dogs in islands and seashore mainland of southern Brazil. No anti-Leptospira spp. Seropositivity was found in 330 owner serum samples, while dogs presented an overall seroprevalence of 5.9%. All seropositive dogs reacted to serogroups of Leptospira interrogans, including 66.7% of Pyrogenes, 44.4% Canicola, 22.2% Icterohaemorrhagiae, 16.7% Australis; six reacted to more than one serogroup. No association was found among seropositivity and epidemiological variables, except that neighborhood dogs were less likely to be seropositive. Although no seropositivity was observed in owners, seropositivity in dogs had the potential to indicate such species as being sentinels for environmental exposure and potential human risk of infection.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in milk of dairy cows from southern Brazil.

Consumption of unpasteurized cow's milk may be a transmission route for some pathogenic microorganisms, but there is little information about the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Blood and milk samples were collected in a paired and random fashion from 106 dairy cows and bulk-tank milk samples were also collected from each of the six farms, in southern Brazil. Serum anti-T.gondii antibodies (IgG) were detected by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) with a cutoff point of 1:64. Nested PCR targeting the ITS1 was performed on milk samples to detect the Sarcocystidae family, confirmed to be T.gondii by Sanger sequencing. The occurrence of anti-T.gondii antibodies in the herds was 14.1%, (15/106) with seropositive cows in all herds. Antibody titers in positive samples ranged from 64 to 128. T.gondii DNA was detected in 2.8% (03/106) of the milk samples. The ITS1 sequences generated in this study were ON809793 - ON809794 and the sequencing revealed 98-100% identity with T. gondii DNA sequences deposited in GenBank. All cows PCR positive for T.gondii in milk were negative for IgG antibodies in serum, suggesting that naturally infected cows may shed T. gondii in milk in the acute phase of infection. The results of this study demonstrate that T. gondii DNA may be detected in raw cow's milk, so the potential risks of lactogenic infection should be considered. The presence of T. gondii DNA in milk does not confirm that the protozoa are viable and infective, and further investigations into the role of cow's milk in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis are needed.

Occurrence of abomasal displacement in dairy cows from High-yielding dairy farms of Paraná state, Southern Brazil / Ocorrência do deslocamento de abomaso em vacas leiteiras de alta produção de fazendas do estado do Paraná, Sul do Brasil

The present study aimed to verify the occurrence of displacement of the abomasum (DA) in dairy herds from a high-yielding dairy region of Southern Brazil. Data on breed, age, lactation number, days after calving, breeding system, number of animals, and number of lactating cows in the herd were obtained from 135 cases of DA. A total of 39 herds, and 6,454 cows, including 2,987 lactating cows from the municipality of Palmeira, Paraná State, were included in this study. The overall prevalence of DA was 2.09%, and occurrence of DA during lactation was 4.42%. Left displacement was more prevalent, with 94.07% of the cases. The mean number of lactations and age of the cows were 2.5±1.16 lactations and 50.9±18.5 months, respectively. DA occurred predominantly in the semi-intensive breeding system (68.1% of cases), during the first 4 weeks postpartum (84.4% of cases), in Black and White Holstein-Friesian cows (94.07% of cases), and during the winter (31.1% of cases). Cows with DA in high-yielding dairy farms in Southern Brazil were similar to cows from herds of high-milk-yielding regions of North America and Europe. Multiparous Black and White Holstein-Friesian cows showed the highest prevalence of DA during the transition period, mostly on the left side.

O presente estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência do deslocamento de abomaso (DA) em rebanhos leiteiros de uma bacia leiteira de alta produção, na região sul do Brasil. Dados sobre raça, idade, números de lactação, número de dias após o parto, sistema de criação, número total de animais e de vacas em lactação foram obtidos de 135 casos de DA. Trinta e nove rebanhos, 6.454 vacas, sendo 2.987 vacas em lactação da cidade de Palmeira, Estado do Paraná, foram incluídos neste estudo. A frequência de DA foi de 2,09%, sendo que em vacas lactantes esta frequência foi de 4,42%. O deslocamento à esquerda foi o mais prevalente, com 94,07% dos casos. O número médio de lactações e a idade das vacas acometidas por DA foram 2,5±1,16 lactações e 50,9±18,5 meses, respectivamente. O DA ocorreu predominantemente em animais criados no sistema semi-intensivo (68,1% dos casos), durante as primeiras quatro semanas pós-parto (84,4% dos casos), em vacas Holandesa branco e preta (94,07% dos casos) e durante o inverno (31,1% dos casos). As vacas com DA em rebanhos leiteiros de alta produção do Sul do Brasil apresentaram similaridades com vacas de rebanhos de alta produção localizados em outros países da América do Norte e Europa. Vacas multíparas, Holandesa Preto e Branca e durante o período de transição tiveram a maior ocorrência de DA, sendo a maioria para o lado esquerdo.

Seropositivity of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Owners and Their Dogs Living on Island and Mainland Seashore Areas of Southern Brazil.

Although toxoplasmosis has been considered among the most neglected zoonoses worldwide, no study has focused on the frequency and associated risk factors of owners and their dogs living on an island and mainland seashore areas. Accordingly, anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were screened by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in owners and dogs from three oceanic islands and two nearby mainland harbor areas, with associated risk factors for toxoplasmosis assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Overall, anti-T. gondii seropositivity was observed in 59/328 (18.0%) owners and 66/283 (23.3%) dogs, with no statistical difference between owners (p = 0.360) and dogs (p = 0.655) from islands and mainland areas. Consumption of local water springs (p = 0.016; OR = 2.11) was an associated risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity, and owners with the habit of spring water intake were twice more likely seropositive (p = 0.014; OR = 2.14). Presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in dogs was associated with seropositive owners (p = 0.008; OR = 2.81), household consumption of beef meat (p = 0.042; OR = 1.7) and chicken (p = 0.026; OR = 2.9). Despite being lower than the worldwide prevalence, toxoplasmosis seropositivity in owners and their dogs in southern Brazil was influenced by the positive owner, water source, and meat consumption, and not by inhabiting islands or seashore mainland areas, presence of dogs, cats, or both. In addition, drinking water quality should always be considered a critical risk factor for toxoplasmosis on islands.

Clinical trial and detection of SARS-CoV-2 by a commercial breath analysis test based on Terahertz technology.

Public health threats such as the current COVID-19 pandemics have required prompt action by the local, national, and international authorities. Rapid and noninvasive diagnostic methods may provide on-site detection and immediate social isolation, used as tools to rapidly control virus spreading. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate a commercial breath analysis test (TERA.Bio®) and deterministic algorithm for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 spectral signature of Volatile Organic Compounds present in exhaled air samples of suspicious persons from southern Brazil. A casuistic total of 70 infected and 500 non-infected patients were sampled, tested, and results later compared to RT-qPCR as gold standard. Overall, the test showed 92.6% sensitivity and 96.0% specificity. No statistical correlation was observed between SARS-CoV-2 positivity and infection by other respiratory diseases. Further studies should focus on infection monitoring among asymptomatic persons. In conclusion, the breath analysis test herein may be used as a fast, on-site, and easy-to-apply screening method for diagnosing COVID-19.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters from two Brazilian regions.

Haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are small pleomorphic bacteria infecting erythrocytes of several mammalian species, including human beings. No study to date has focused on the risk of bacteria exposure in hunting activities, particularly in natural environments of highly tick-infested areas. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess haemoplasma occurrence in the complex encompassing wild boars, hunting dogs and hunters of Brazil. A total of 38/65 (58.5%) wild boars and 94/159 (59.1%) dogs were positive by qPCR for at least one haemoplasma. All 25 hunters were negative. Dogs with high hunting frequency were 2.4 more likely to be infected. Sequencing revealed a probable novel haemoplasma species in wild boars. Although exposure to haemoplasma species was present, the study herein found no evidence of cross-species transmission.

Aspectos da hemoplasmose em búfalos: revisão bibliográfica / Aspects of hemoplasmosis in buffaloes: literature review / Aspectos de la hemoplasmosis en búfalos: revisión de la literatura

Búfalos são animais rústicos que podem ser explorados para a produção de carne ou leite. Estes animais são susceptíveis a enfermidades que também acometem outras espécies de ruminantes, principalmente os bovinos. Entretanto, acredita-se que os bubalinos sejam mais resistentes a algumas doenças, mas ainda há poucos estudos epidemiológicos abrangendo doenças infecciosas como a hemoplasmose em búfalos. A hemoplasmose é causada por micoplasmas hemotrópicos ou hemoplasmas, que são bactérias gram-negativas causadoras de anemia hemolítica em hospedeiros imunocomprometidos. Mycoplasma wenyonii e 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' são as principais espécies de hemoplasmas que podem infectar búfalos. A transmissão da doença ocorre principalmente por meio de vetores artrópodes hematófagos ou por via iatrogênica. O diagnóstico de animais infectados é realizado por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Medidas de prevenção e controle são essenciais para o controle desta enfermidade nos rebanhos bubalinos.

Buffalo are rustic animals that can be exploited for meat or milk production. These animals are susceptible to diseases that also affect other species of ruminants, especially cattle. However, it is believed that buffalo are more resistant to some diseases, but there are still few epidemiological studies covering infectious diseases such as hemoplasmosis in buffaloes. Hemoplasmosis is caused by hemotropic mycoplasmas or hemoplasmas, which are gram-negative bacteria that cause hemolytic anemia in immunocompromised hosts. Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' are the main hemoplasma species that can infect buffaloes. Transmission of the disease occurs mainly via hematophagous arthropod vectors or iatrogenically. The diagnosis of infected animals is made by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Prevention and control measures are essential for the control of this disease in buffalo herds.

Los búfalos son animales rústicos que pueden ser explotados para la producción de carne o leche. Estos animales son susceptibles de contraer enfermedades que también afectan a otras especies de rumiantes, especialmente al ganado vacuno. Sin embargo, se cree que los búfalos son más resistentes a algunas enfermedades, pero todavía hay pocos estudios epidemiológicos sobre enfermedades infecciosas como la hemoplasmosis en búfalos. La hemoplasmosis está causada por micoplasmas hemotrópicos o hemoplasmas, que son bacterias gram negativas que causan anemia hemolítica en huéspedes inmunodeprimidos. Mycoplasma wenyonii y 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' son las principales especies de hemoplasma que pueden infectar a los búfalos. La transmisión de la enfermedad se produce principalmente a través de vectores artrópodos hematófagos o de forma iatrogénica. El diagnóstico de los animales infectados se realiza mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Las medidas de prevención y control son esenciales para controlar esta enfermedad en los rebaños de búfalos.

One Health approach on human seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies, Toxocara spp. eggs in dogs and sand samples between seashore mainland and island areas of southern Brazil.

Toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara spp. nematodes, is among the top 5 neglected parasitic diseases worldwide; however, no comprehensive study to date has serologically compared infections in people and their dogs and environmentally contaminated soil or sand of mainland and island locations. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in traditional human seashore populations, the presence of eggs in dogs' feces and hair, and the presence of eggs in environmental samples from islands compared to the adjacent mainland of southern Brazil. Overall, 212/328 (64.6%) people were positive for Toxocara spp. antibodies, including 125/190 (65.8%) island and 87/138 (63.0%) mainland residents. For dog samples, 12/115 (10.43%) were positive for the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs, all from dogs living in islands, and 22/104 (21.15%) dog hair samples contained eggs of Toxocara spp. Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 50/130 (38.46%) samples from all sampled sites. No significant association was found between risk factors (age, sex, educational level, monthly income, owning dogs or cats, ingestion of treated water, and consumption of raw or uncooked meat) and Toxocara spp. seropositivity. The present study is the first concurrent report on people, their dogs, and environmental contamination of Toxocara spp. The high prevalence we observed in the seashore populations of both in island and mainland areas may be caused by exposure to contaminated sand and climatic factors favoring frequent exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, seashore lifestyle and living conditions of both island and mainland areas may have predisposed higher contact with infected pets and contaminated soil, favoring the high prevalence of toxocariasis.

Serosurvey of anti-Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum antibodies in hunting dogs and hunters in Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although wild boar hunting activities and the hunting dog trade in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes of Brazil overlap both with endemic and with non-endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis, no study to date has focused on Leishmania spp. exposure among hunting dogs and hunters. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of Leishmania spp. antibodies in hunting dogs and hunters in different anthropized areas of two Brazilian biomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 170 hunting dogs and 46 hunters between October 2016 and May 2018. The presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in hunting dogs was screened through a dual-path platform immunochromatographic test (DPP rapid test; Bio-Manguinhos/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and in hunters through an rK39-based rapid immunochromatographic test. Both tests were used in accordance with Brazilian Ministry of Health recommendations. RESULTS: Overall, although antibodies were detected through the immunochromatographic test in 3/170 (0.02%) of these female asymptomatic hunting dogs, all living in anthropized areas of the Atlantic Forest biome in South Brazil, no sample was confirmed through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All the hunters were non-reactive in the rapid immunochromatographic test. CONCLUSION: Our study on three suspicious hunting dogs has suggested that Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum may circulate both in endemic and non-endemic areas in Brazil. In addition, a high rate of hunting dog replacement due to death and trade may have led to less chance of infection and transmission between animals and between animals and humans, which would corroborate the outcomes reported here. Further studies should be conducted to fully establish whether hunting dogs and hunters may be used as sentinels in other areas endemic for Leishmania spp.

Risk factors associated with ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Wild boars have recently been implicated as the maintainers and carriers of Amblyomma spp. ticks, which are essential for Rickettsia spp. transmission. Consequently, wild boar hunting may increase the risk of tick exposure and subsequent human tick-borne infection and disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in Brazilian biomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The statistical relationship of Rickettsia spp. antibodies were evaluated using the Chi-square test in 80 wild boars, 170 hunting dogs, and 49 hunters. RESULTS: The only statistically significant difference in seropositivity found in this study was between male and female wild boars (p=0.034), probably associated with in-park exposure to Amblyomma brasiliense infected with Rickettsia spp. CONCLUSION: The absence of statistical differences in the associated risk factors for hunting dogs and hunters may indicate a random exposure to Rickettsia spp.

Seroprevalence of Anti-Brucella spp. Antibodies in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa), Hunting Dogs, and Hunters of Brazil.

All 86 wild boars (Sus scrofa), 170 hunting dogs, and 49 hunters sampled from three Brazilian regions were seronegative to Brucella spp. by the standard tube agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol tests, suggesting a low circulation of Brucella spp. in wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in such areas.

An abortion storm in dairy cattle associated with neosporosis in southern Brazil.

Between December 2016 and April 2017, a spate of abortions occurred in a closed dairy herd from the central eastern region of Paraná, Brazil, in which 75 cows aborted. To identify its cause, organ fragments were collected from an aborted fetus for histopathology, and the blood samples from a stillborn, 4 aborted fetuses, and 9 farm dogs for indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT). These tests found multifocal non-suppurative encephalitis, periportal hepatitis, and multifocal lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis, and detected anti-Neospora antibodies in all aborted fetuses, and in 5 of the 9 dogs. DNA of Neospora caninum was detected in the brain tissue of an aborted fetus. Blood samples of 340 cows and 146 heifers showed 33.5% and 30.8% seropositivity, respectively. In this closed herd, the parasite was probably introduced by infected domesticated or wild carnivores inhabiting the farm, through the infective oocysts present in their stool.

Estudo soroepidemiológico de alphaherpesvírus bovino 1 (BoHV-1) em bubalinos (Bubalus bubalis) de corte da Região Sul do Brasil / Seroepidemiology survey of bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) in unvaccinated beef bubalines (Bubalus bubalis) from Southern Brazil

Background: The bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) belonging to the order Herpesvirales, family Herpesviridae,subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and genus Varicellovirus. Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infections have a great importance due to the high rates of dissemination in cattles worldwide. Although, the BoHV-1 was largely related in cattle,buffaloes were also classified as host for the virus. However, studies that determine seroepidemiological data in this species are scarce and necessary. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of antibodies against BoHV-1in healthy beef buffaloes using the virus neutralization (VN) technique.Cases: This work portrays an epidemiological survey, based on a sectional study characterized by blood samples collectedfrom 54 Murrah buffalo, aged 6 to 24 months, from the municipalities of Guaraqueçaba, Ponta Grossa, Antonina andDoutor Ulysses, located in Paraná state, being 20, 14, 10 and 10 samples from each location, respectively. Thirty-sevenpercent (20/54) of the samples were collected at slaughterhouse with registration at the Federal Inspection Service (SIF)of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), and 63% (34/54) at the buffalos farms. The serumsamples were collected in sterile tubes without anticoagulant in stored isothermal boxes, with serum separation and storedat -20ºC. The samples were sent to the Animal Virology Laboratory of Universidade Estadual de Londrina, UEL for serological analysis. Serological diagnosis using the virus neutralization (VN) technique was performed according the OIEmanual of diagnostic tests and vaccines for terrestrial animals, using the BoHV-1 Los Angeles strain. Forth-five of the 54samples (83.3%) evaluated generated titers of antibodies against BoHV-1 present in all evaluated herds, and the samplescollected in herd from Antonina city were 100% positive, following by 80% in Guaraqueçaba...(AU)

EXPOSURE OF WILD BOAR (SUS SCROFA) TO THE COMMON VAMPIRE BAT AND LACK OF IMMUNE PROTECTION TO RABIES VIRUS IN BRAZILIAN HUNTERS.

Rabies virus is recognized as one of the most fatal zoonotic agents affecting all mammals. Wild boars (Sus scrofa), classified as a large-size exotic invasive species in Brazil with nationwide hunting permitted, may serve as an extra blood source for the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus). Our aim was to document wild boar exposure to vampire bats to determine the seroprevalence of rabies virus antibodies in wild boars and to determine the immune status of hunters in southern and central-western Brazilian regions. Serum samples were collected from 80 wild boars and 49 hunters from natural and degraded areas of the Atlantic Forest biome of southern Brazil and in degraded areas of the Cerrado biome of central-western Brazil. The rabies-modified rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test was performed to detect the presence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies in wild boars and considered seropositive when ≥0.10 IU/mL. The simplified fluorescence inhibition microtest was used for samples from hunters with a titer of ≥0.50 IU/mL and considered indicative of seroconversion. While 11% (9/80) of wild boars had serum titers for rabies exposure (≥0.10 IU/mL), 88% (43/49) of corresponding hunters lacked immune protective titers (<0.50 IU/mL). Wild boars showed serum titers for rabies likely due to contact with contaminated saliva of vampire bats or from infected carcass consumption. Additionally, Brazilian wild boars can be exposed to rabies and may play an important role in the sylvatic rabies cycle by providing a blood supply for vampire bats, highlighting the possibility of direct transmission of rabies virus to hunting dogs and hunters. These findings suggested hunters are a potential risk group for contracting rabies, and the World Health Organization may consider adding this occupation to their recommendations of who should receive the pre-exposure rabies vaccination.

Serosurvey of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs and hunters of Brazil.

The protozoan Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, with domestic dogs serving as the definitive hosts. Although hunting activities have been indicated as a potential risk factor for N. caninum infection in dogs, no serological evidence has so far been reported in hunting dogs, wild boars (Sus scrofa), and hunters. A total of 98 wild boars, 168 hunting dogs, and 15 hunters from three Brazilian regions were sampled and tested for anti-N. caninum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test, resulting in 15/168 (9%) seropositive hunting dogs, and 0/98 wild boars, and 0/15 hunters seropositive. The absence of N. caninum antibodies in wild boars may suggest low exposure to oocysts shed by hunting dogs and wild canids in three different Brazilian regions. Finally, the absence of hunter seropositivity supports the current lack of evidence that N. caninum is a zoonotic parasite.

Estudo soroepidemiológico de alphaherpesvírus bovino 1 (BoHV-1) em bubalinos (Bubalus bubalis) de corte da Região Sul do Brasil / Seroepidemiology survey of bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) in unvaccinated beef bubalines (Bubalus bubalis) from Southern Brazil

Background: The bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) belonging to the order Herpesvirales, family Herpesviridae,subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and genus Varicellovirus. Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infections have a great importance due to the high rates of dissemination in cattles worldwide. Although, the BoHV-1 was largely related in cattle,buffaloes were also classified as host for the virus. However, studies that determine seroepidemiological data in this species are scarce and necessary. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of antibodies against BoHV-1in healthy beef buffaloes using the virus neutralization (VN) technique.Cases: This work portrays an epidemiological survey, based on a sectional study characterized by blood samples collectedfrom 54 Murrah buffalo, aged 6 to 24 months, from the municipalities of Guaraqueçaba, Ponta Grossa, Antonina andDoutor Ulysses, located in Paraná state, being 20, 14, 10 and 10 samples from each location, respectively. Thirty-sevenpercent (20/54) of the samples were collected at slaughterhouse with registration at the Federal Inspection Service (SIF)of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), and 63% (34/54) at the buffalo’s farms. The serumsamples were collected in sterile tubes without anticoagulant in stored isothermal boxes, with serum separation and storedat -20ºC. The samples were sent to the Animal Virology Laboratory of Universidade Estadual de Londrina, UEL for serological analysis. Serological diagnosis using the virus neutralization (VN) technique was performed according the OIEmanual of diagnostic tests and vaccines for terrestrial animals, using the BoHV-1 Los Angeles strain. Forth-five of the 54samples (83.3%) evaluated generated titers of antibodies against BoHV-1 present in all evaluated herds, and the samplescollected in herd from Antonina city were 100% positive, following by 80% in Guaraqueçaba...

Relationship between metabolic profile, diseases, productive and reproductive performance in highproducing Holstein cows in the postpartum period / Relação entre o perfil metabólico, doenças, desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de vacas Holandesas recém-paridas de alta produção

The present study aimed to monitor Holstein cows in the postpartum period, and to evaluate the occurrence of clinical diseases and their relationship with metabolic profile, milk yield and composition, and reproductive performance. One hundred and five Holstein cows, 32 primiparous and 73 multiparous, from two dairy herds in Arapoti, Paraná State, were clinically monitored up to ten days after calving. The clinical occurrences diagnosed were: dystocia, metritis, retained placenta, clinical hypocalcemia, displaced abomasum, mastitis, pneumonia, and digital dermatitis. Blood samples were collected at one, two, five, and ten days postpartum for analysis of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and total calcium. Individual milk yield was measured up to 100 days in milk (DIM), and the first test-day was evaluated for milk composition. Statistical analyses were conducted using the MIXED procedure of SAS, and the fixed effects of farm (A and B), parity (primiparous and multiparous), and occurrence of clinical diseases (sick and healthy cows) were included. Forty-eight cows (45.7%) had one or more clinical occurrences. In these sick cows, the BHB concentration at five DIM was higher (P = 0.06) than in healthy cows; 0.78 and 0.57 mmol L-1, respectively. Regarding milk yield, cows with one or more clinical occurrences had lower (P < 0.01) daily milk yield up to 30 DIM, and had a tendency of lower (P = 0.09) accumulated production up to 100 DIM than healthy cows. Sick cows had a tendency to show lower (P = 0.08) milk total solids content than healthy cows; 12.04 and 12.60%, respectively. There were no significant differences between sick and healthy animals in the remaining milk components, or the reproductive parameters assessed. The differences observed for days in the first artificial insemination (AI), AI number, and days open occurred due to the effect of the herd.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar vacas Holandesas no pós-parto e avaliar a ocorrência de doenças clínicas e sua relação com o perfil metabólico, a produção de leite e sua composição e o desempenho reprodutivo. Foram monitoradas clinicamente durante 10 dias após o parto, 105 vacas da raça Holandesa, 32 primíparas e 73 multíparas, de dois rebanhos leiteiros em Arapoti, Paraná. As ocorrências clínicas diagnosticadas foram: distocia, metrite, retenção de placenta, hipocalcemia clínica, deslocamento de abomaso, mastite, pneumonia e dermatite digital. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias 1, 2, 5 e 10 após o parto para análises de ácidos graxos não-esterificados (AGNE), ß-hidroxibutirato (BHB) e cálcio total. A produção de leite individual foi mensurada até 100 dias em leite (DEL) e para a composição do leite foi avaliado o primeiro controle leiteiro oficial após o parto. As análises estatísticas foram conduzidas pelo procedimento MIXED do SAS e foram incluídos os efeitos fixos de fazenda (A e B), paridade (primíparas e multíparas) e ocorrência de doenças clínicas (vacas doentes e saudáveis). Quarenta e oito vacas (45,7%) apresentaram uma ou mais doenças clínicas. Nestas vacas doentes a concentração de BHB no 5o dia pós-parto foi superior (P = 0,06) a de vacas saudáveis; 0,78 e 0,57 mmol L-1, respectivamente. Em relação a produtividade, vacas com uma ou mais doenças clínicas apresentaram menores (P < 0,01) produções diárias até 30 DEL e tendência de menores (P = 0,09) produções acumuladas até 100 DEL em relação a vacas sadias. Vacas doentes apresentaram uma tendência de menor (P = 0,08) porcentagem de sólidos totais no leite do que vacas saudáveis; 12,04 e 12,60%, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças significativas entre animais doentes e saudáveis para os outros componentes do leite, bem como nos parâmetros reprodutivos avaliados. As diferenças observadas para dias até a primeira inseminação artificial (IA), número de IA e dias abertos ocorreram devido ao efeito de rebanho.(AU)

Terahertz Spectroscopy Applied to Diagnostics in Public Health: A Review

Abstract Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is an emerging technology that is that is bringing a number of technical breakthroughs in several scientific applications. This review aimed to describe potential applications of THz spectroscopy at the biochemistry and molecules detection for food industry, environment monitoring and diagnostics, and present the importance of such technological platform in disease control and Public Health.

Colocefalectomia para o tratamento de fratura fisária da cabeça do fêmur em pônei / Colocephalectomy for the treatment of capital physeal fracture of the femoral head in pony

Background: Femoral capital physeal fractures occur in young animals and are generally associated with trauma. They have apoor prognosis and surgical therapy is the most indicated. There are few studies describing surgical treatment and postoperative results, so the objective of the present report was to present the first case in Brazil of a colocefalectomy for the treatmentof femoral capital physeal fracture in a young pony, the post-surgical and the results obtained with the technique employed.Case: An 18-month-old pony, male, not castrated, , weighing 136 kg was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the FederalUniversity of Paraná (HV-UFPR) with a history of trauma for 4 days. On physical examination, the animal presented lamenessgrade 5 of the right pelvic limb, shortening and lateral deviation of the limb, crackling and painful sensation on abduction, andslight atrophy of the gluteal muscles on the affected side. In the radiographic examination, a femoral capital physeal fracturewas found in the oblique ventro-dorsal projection. Once the diagnosis was performed, a colocefalectomy was realized, as thepatient is a light and short horse. The patient underwent general anesthesia and was placed in the left lateral position. The accessto the coxofemoral joint was made through the lateral face of the right hindlimb. The muscles of the region were incised anddeviated, so a partial myotomy was performed in the deep gluteal and vastus lateralis. This procedure allowed to visualize thefracture, where the head of the femur remained congruent to the acetabulum. A hammer and a curved osteotome were usedto section the round ligament, allowing the dislocation of the femoral head and with the aid of an oscillating orthopedic sawwas performed the femoral neck ostectomy. Previously to the synthesis of the muscular planes and the skin, a passive tubular...(AU)

Serosurvey of Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Viruses in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa), Hunting Dogs, and Hunters of Brazil.

A total of 102 free-range wild boars, 170 hunting dogs, and 49 hunters from 3 Brazilian regions were sampled and tested for antibodies to eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), western equine encephalitis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Three of the 102 (2.9%) wild boars were positive for antibodies against EEEV by microplate serum neutralization test. Based on our data, free-range wild boars from central-western Brazil may be exposed to EEEV, and further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of incorporating serosurveys in routine arbovirus activity surveillance specifically to identify arbovirus activity foci and to help establish thresholds for epidemic transmission.